-- SEC stadiums will be louder for longer periods of time starting this fall thanks to new legislation.

Mississippi State fans will be happy to know, too, that the rules governing their cowbells will be more lenient starting this season.

The SEC adopted legislation during its annual spring meetings which will allow schools to play music and use its sound systems at any time, except from the time the center stands over the football to when the ensuing play is whistled dead. The new rule also includes "traditional institutional noisemakers," including MSU fans' cowbells.

The previous rule only allowed the use of the sound system and traditional noisemakers during halftime, timeouts, stoppages of play, pre- and post-game, and after a score.

Mississippi State is at the center of the legislation, which the SEC believes will help "enhance the fan experience and provide institutions with the flexibility to appeal to their fans by the use of music and institutionally controlled noise."

MSU was fined $25,000 for violating the previous bylaw in 2013. MSU was fined $5,000 in 2010 for its first offense. A third offense will carry a fine of $50,000.

Permit soccer teams to designate 22 players who will participate in a championship game before the game, rather than prior to the entire conference championship event. All eligible players allowed to access competition site immediately before and during game.

Increase bowl revenue distribution in football and require all teams to be financially responsible for all guaranteed ticket purchases.

Graduate students allowed to transfer and play without a waiver if they meet certain criteria.